Archive - Dance Umbrella 2006

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MERCE CUNNINGHAM DANCE COMPANY (USA)
OCEAN (London Premiere)

The Roundhouse
Thu 21 - Sun 24 September

OCEAN was the final conception of two artists who have each achieved iconic status: Merce Cunningham and John Cage. This 90-minute piece is the culmination of their deep interest in the works of James Joyce.

Cunningham’s monumental OCEAN remains the most impressive and audacious piece in the company’s repertoire. It has no front, back or sides and sets 14 dancers and the company’s musicians in the centre of the legendary Roundhouse. They are surrounded by the audience who, in turn, are surrounded by 150 musicians from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Andrew Culver’s score, based on Cage’s concept, and David Tudor’s electronic music are played simultaneously. With 128 distinct movement phrases and over 2500 pages of score, OCEAN offers an overwhelming visual and sonic experience.

The result is 360˚ of genius.

'This may be Merce's most ambitious evocation of movement and sound as the key to life, art, and everything else.'
The New Yorker

DEEP & BENEATH
Inspired by OCEAN, Deep & Beneath is a series of summer workshops for young people aged 13 – 19 years culminating in September in a multi-media dance installation in the Roundhouse Studios.

Based on Merce Cunningham’s choreographic principles, Deep & Beneath is directed by choreographer Carol Brown. Presented prior to OCEAN, each event runs for 10 minutes.

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